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Go for a paddle or take a dip – nothing beats a lakeside retreat for beating the heat
Lago di Como
Once described by Stendhal as an "enchanting spot, unequaled on earth in its loveliness,” posh Lago di Como arguably offers the finest lakeside creature comforts anywhere in the world. Located about an hour outside of Milan, Italy’s most beloved lake is dotted with luxurious villas and resorts that have beckoned the rich and famous since the days of the Roman Empire; its modern-day converts include George Clooney, who made headlines when he bought a villa here. Steep hills frame the palatial villages that line Lake Como’s banks, where villas draped in bougainvillea boast romantic gardens and splendid architecture. Indeed, remnants of the Renaissance are found throughout; nowhere is it more prominent than at the Villa d’Este, an unparalleled hotel that’s famous for its remarkable 16th-century architecture, spectacular fountains, rambling gardens, and fantastic shorefront location.
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